how would someone get about doing a degree in astro/quantum phyisics?

Bit of a self explanatory question here. Would I need to do an undergrad in physics and then specialise in either subject?

Reply 1

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Hi,

I'm a 3rd year undergraduate Natural Science Student here at Lancaster, studying Physics and Environmental Science, so I know how the physics department here (and have an idea of how other departments) work.
The way physics degrees typically work, is that you take a 'stream'. Everybody has to do a certain number of core physics modules in order for their degree to be accredited. For example, in my first year, I had to take some classical physics modules, a thermal physics module, an electricity and magnetism module, and a quantum module. Depending on the university, you will probably also have to take maths alongside these modules so that you learn the mathematical skills to apply to your degree later on. As a Nat Sci student, I did the basic labs in second year, but physics students took a series of lab based modules along side these.
Then, depending on your stream that you've chosen, you start picking up optional modules, that relate to your stream. For example, here at Lancaster we offer Physics, Physics with Astrophysics, Theoretical Physics, and Theoretical Physics with Mathematics.
I believe other universities like Exeter, Imperia, and Southampton offer Physics with quantum technologies (or similar, and available in other places possibly). I would recommend attending open days if possible, as they would be able to advise how and when to chose, how and when you specialise, and if there is opportunity to switch if you change your mind.
Essentially, there is option to specialise in your undergraduate, but you will be taught the core components of key physics throughout your degree, in case you want to switch up after you graduate!

I hope that this helped, and good luck in you future endeavours.

Niamh
Natural Science Student Ambassador at Lancaster University

Reply 2

asjdfojweoifj

Original post

by insidemyhome

Bit of a self explanatory question here. Would I need to do an undergrad in physics and then specialise in either subject?

Short answer is yes. You need to learn the fundamentals before you can specialise, quantum and astro at an advanced level are deeply tied to other topics like electromagnetism and thermodynamics. Quantum objects like photons and electrons are subject to the electromagnetic force; you need to know thermodynamics to understand how heat moves within a star, mechanics to know how gravity affects stellar objects etc.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 3

artful_lounger

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by insidemyhome

Bit of a self explanatory question here. Would I need to do an undergrad in physics and then specialise in either subject?

All undergraduate physics degrees will include all the typical quantum mechanics expected, and most undergraduate physics degrees will have some astrophysics specific options.

You don't need to do a specialised undergraduate course in "astrophysics", these courses are essentially just a standard physics degree except with the astro modules preselected for you instead of being options (and thus, usually having slightly fewer options otherwise).

Further specialisation comes at the graduate level, which expects a broad ranging understanding of all of physics (including quantum mechanics but also as above classical mechanics in its various formulations, electromagnetism, relativity, statistical physics and thermodynamics and condensed matter/solid state physics).

Basically: just apply to physics degrees. If you specifically are interested in astro, see what optional modulse they have in that regime :smile: